Swinburne has
dedicated a rousing lyric and some vigorous sonnets to the memory of
Gondremark; that name appears twice at least in Victor Hugo's
trumpet-blasts of patriot enumeration; and I came latterly, when I
supposed my task already ended, on a trace of the fallen politician
and his Countess. It is in the 'Diary of J. Hogg Cotterill, Esq.'
(that very interesting work). Mr. Cotterill, being at Naples, is
introduced (May 27th) to 'a Baron and Baroness Gondremark - he a man
who once made a noise - she still beautiful - both witty. She
complimented me much upon my French - should never have known me to
be English - had known my uncle, Sir John, in Germany - recognised
in me, as a family trait, some of his GRAND AIR and studious
courtesy - asked me to call.' And again (May 30th), 'visited the
Baronne de Gondremark - much gratified - a most REFINED, INTELLIGENT
woman, quite of the old school, now, HELAS! extinct - had read my
REMARKS ON SICILY - it reminds her of my uncle, but with more of
grace - I feared she thought there was less energy - assured no - a
softer style of presentation, more of the LITERARY GRACE, but the
same firm grasp of circumstance and force of thought - in short,
just Buttonhole's opinion. Much encouraged. I have a real esteem
for this patrician lady.' The acquaintance lasted some time; and
when Mr. Cotterill left in the suite of Lord Protocol, and, as he is
careful to inform us, in Admiral Yardarm's flag-ship, one of his
chief causes of regret is to leave 'that most SPIRITUELLE and
sympathetic lady, who already regards me as a younger brother.
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